Introduction
A full-day incursion program to introduce primary-aged school children to the storytelling potential of opera.
The students help turn their stories into operas and then see them performed by professional singers on the same day.
They are involved in the entire process, from writing the story to character development and design, learning how all the senses come together to make a powerful piece of narrative theatre!
Who it is for?
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Ideal for Year 5 and Year 6
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Designed for 40 to 100 students
What happens on the day?
A team of four professional opera singers and a music director/pianist visit your school and take your students on a whirlwind operatic adventure.
Across the day, students will:
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Discover what opera is and how operatic voices work
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Explore plot ideas and help write the story for their opera
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Develop characters, settings and dramatic moments
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Design and create costumes, props and simple set elements
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Learn lyrics, singing technique and movements for the final chorus
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Take part in the performance at the end of the day, joining the professionals for the mini-opera.
Students are active at every stage, from first story idea to the final bow.
Why it works for schools
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A complete, structured incursion that fits into one school day
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Clearly stated learning intentions for each session
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Supports Music, Drama, English, and personal and social capabilities
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Builds confidence, teamwork and creative thinking
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Gives students a high-quality arts experience with professional performers, without placing pressure on solo performance
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Before the visit, your school receives an education pack with preparation resources, including a video (see below) that introduces children to opera and the artists they will meet.
A Sample Day
8.30 am 45 minutes
9.15 am 15 minutes
9.30 am 5 minutes
9.35 am 55 minutes
10.30 am 5 minutes
10.35 am 45 Minutes
Performers arrive
Team briefing for the day
Introduction, Acknowledgement of Country
SESSION 1
Learning Intentions
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Develop an understanding of what opera is
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Explore vocal techniques employed by opera singers
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Devise narrative points and main characters
Break
SESSION 2 (Group A)
Learning Intentions
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Learn lyrics for final chorus through group work
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Further explore and apply knowledge of singing technique
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Develop basic movements for the final chorus
10.35 am 55 Minutes
SESSION 2 (Group B)
Learning Intentions
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Design and create costumes, props and set elements for the performance through group work
11.20am 15 Minutes
Group A - Break
11.30am 15 Minutes
Group B - Break
11.35am 45 Minutes
SESSION 3 (Group A)
Learning Intentions
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Design and create costumes, props and set elements for the performance through group work
11.45am 55 Minutes
SESSION 2 (Group B)
Learning Intentions
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Learn lyrics for final chorus through group work
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Further explore and apply knowledge of singing technique
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Develop basic movements for the final chorus
12.30pm 1 Hour
LUNCH BREAK
1.30pm 15 Minutes
SESSION 4 (Group A, B)
Learning Intentions
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Review narrative points and main characters
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Rehearse final chorus with movements
1.45pm 15 Minutes
THE OPERA PERFORMANCE!!
2.00 pm
END
Details
A full-day incursion costs a minimum of $2200 for up to 50 students and an additional $12 per student (maximum 100 students) excluding GST.
These costs include travel within 50 km of Melbourne's CBD (an additional $4 for every km beyond—for interstate bookings, please contact us). Financial assistance is available for public schools.
Included:
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4 x Professional Singers
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1 x Music Director & Pianist
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Keyboard and speaker
Must be provided by the School:
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1 staff member per 40 students
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Cardboard boxes/recycled materials for sets/costumes
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4-6 rolls of Gaffa tape
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Glue sticks, scissors, various marker pens/textas
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Whiteboard & markers
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1 room big enough to fit all students and at least a 3 x 6m space for performance
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1 x room for choir practice - must fit half the students and have access to a second piano or keyboard (provided by the school).
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1 x dressing room and toilets available for the cast
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For larger spaces/groups a microphone is preferred for spoken announcements